The next round of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Grazing Group meetings will take place in the coming weeks, with “leading light in the New Zealand sheep world” Trevor Cook as the key speaker.

QMS said Cook is well-known by farmers around the world for his work in farm consultancy, extension and research. The organisation believes his extensive knowledge of optimising animal performance from pasture will be a great asset to the six grazing groups.

The meetings were established last summer by QMS to help Scottish farmers improve the utilisation of grass and boost livestock production. They will be held on 29 January at Challochmun Farm, Glenluce; 30 January at Pirntaton Farm, Fountainhall, Galashiels; 2 February at Maryfield Farm, Dess, Aboyne; 3 February at Meadowflatt Farm, Thankerton, Near Biggar; 5 February at Nigg Hall in Nigg near Tain; and 6 February in Rotmell, Dunkeld.

Cook will share his knowledge and lead discussions with local farmers on the optimal grazing strategies for the coming season.

Michael Blanche, QMS knowledge transfer specialist, said: “These meetings are a real opportunity for farmers to ask any burning questions on animal performance from pasture and sheep and cattle health.

“The events over the next couple of weeks will be a great opportunity to hear the views of Trevor Cook, an excellent authority on livestock production, and discuss with fellow farmers how we can further improve our grazing management. All are welcome to what I’m confident will be really interesting meetings.”